SLAF emerged victorious with the triumph over the Sri Lanka Army in the final of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship National Baseball Championship yesterday (17 September 2022) at International Baseball Grounds, Diyagama.

The tournament was organized to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan and Sri Lanka’s diplomatic ties and the 10th Anniversary of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Baseball Grounds by the Sri Lanka Baseball Association, with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka.

13 Baseball clubs strived in the tournament and SL Army, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, headed to the title game, while SLAF earned the spot by defeating Ranbima Baseball Club in a diligently contested semifinal. However, SLAF honoured for the title by defeating SL Army team 7-4 during the Grand Finale.

The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mizukoshi Hideaki, graced the Awarding Ceremony as the chief guest. The event was attended by the Sri Lanka Baseball President, Mr Asanga Seneviratne, Secretary Sri Lanka Baseball Association, Squadron Leader Sanka Abeywickrama, Chairman SLAF Baseball, Group Captain Chandimal Hettiarachchi, Assistant Secretary SLAF Baseball, Squadron Leader Mark Fonseka and other officials.

SUMMARY OF SPECIAL AWARDS

Best Batter - Corporal Indunil WC (Captain Air Force Team)
Best Fielder - Leading Aircraftman Samaraweera SHDRL  
Best Pitcher – Lance Corporal Ruwan Kumara ( SL Army)
Most Valuable player - Leading Aircraftman Sadaruwan WDS